Added air

[Jack J.]

[Tom K.]

[Mark M.]

Re: Added air

Jack it looks really well done. I'm looking at doing the same system on a 65 L79 car. Only question is what needs to come off to change the battery when needed? Also is there an advantage from Vintage Air over Classic Air system? Thanks Mark

[Ronald L.]

Re: Added air

Mark,
The second is a very old technology, you're better of with a modern compressor lines hoses. I tried to get the CA to make a slight upgrade and they blew me off, whereas VA had the extra parts 'at extra cost' to do a Similar move as Tom did, and there was very little delay to get them up here from Texas.

[Mark M.]

Re: Added air

Thanks Ronald, I'll check with VA for the vette and my brother in law talked me into helping with the restoration of his 65 mustang conv. which he wants to add AC to.

[Ronald L.]

Re: Added air

Mark, What you can do is break up their kits, like condensor kit has xyz, etc, line kit has abc...what I found to get cleanest lay out is I needed an almost dupliate number of bends with charge ports, where the kit comes with straignts, and like Tom, rent or borrow a crimper to make th hose connections. I also needed side discharge adapter to the compressor that wasn't mentioned until it was time to hook up the pieces. I doing it this way we get a clean fender and mostly more direct run, don't ask why but the inlet of the compressors is forward of the discharge...the inlet comes from the dash evap core and the discharge from the compressor goes to the condensor. With that you end up with crossed lines with a side discharge or big loop off a rear compressor -- unless you purchase the angle fitting that Tom shows. They have a good selection of top grade automotive AC pieces to choose from once you know the generic kit might be limited...

[Frank D.]

Re: Added air

The Vintage Air Gen IV kit is well thought out but some things are aesthetically pretty bad, like the alternator brackets to move this piece to he left side - they look industrial and homemade - for my 63 I ordered correct A/C alternator brackets from Long Island. I developed a document with several "school of hard knocks" tips for a 63 install if anybody needs them.

[Jack J.]

Re: Added air

Jack it looks really well done. I'm looking at doing the same system on a 65 L79 car. Only question is what needs to come off to change the battery when needed? Also is there an advantage from Vintage Air over Classic Air system? Thanks Mark

Probably same as before, get overflow tank OUT OF WAY & secured. Jack J.

[Jack J.]

Re: Added air

Pics of hose routing.

[Frank D.]

Re: Added air

I R&R'ed my battery 3 times after installing Vintage Air in the 63 with the installation per instructions; I just bungee-ed the puke tank out of the way each time and it went well....with the arrangement pictured above, I can't say....looks like it would be more complicated.

[Mark M.]

Re: Added air

Thanks all for your help here as I have been hesitant to pick a system without seeing what others have seen. I spoke with sales people last year from CA and VA and neither seemed to have sound answers for my battery question. Jack your pictures really helped as I've heard the battery could be covered with the added on ac parts, making battery changes a bit involved. With the VA system you shown, it looks to be no problem. Thanks Mark

[Frank D.]

Re: Added air

I know there is one system that lets you keep the factory globe box, Classic Air ? Not sure. Vintage Air, if installed per instructions will eliminate the PS fresh air vent and require a shallow glove box insert. Other than that Vintage Air is hard to beat. See video:

https://youtu.be/z3pxSbXYh4k

and this is on a 98* Orlando summer day (see picture)/

Now there are many things you can do to make life a bit easier, like installing a heavy duty radiator fan clutch and a bigger fan with more blades, an upgraded alternator, etc.

[Jack J.]

Re: Added air

I R&R'ed my battery 3 times after installing Vintage Air in the 63 with the installation per instructions; I just bungee-ed the puke tank out of the way each time and it went well....with the arrangement pictured above, I can't say....looks like it would be more complicated.

Frank, hose pictured on top of battery is part of the overflow tank system and with sufficient length to be moved up and over to the right when replacing battery. Jack J.

[Jack J.]

Re: Added air

I know there is one system that lets you keep the factory globe box, Classic Air ? Not sure. Vintage Air, if installed per instructions will eliminate the PS fresh air vent and require a shallow glove box insert. Other than that Vintage Air is hard to beat. See video:

https://youtu.be/z3pxSbXYh4k

and this is on a 98* Orlando summer day (see picture)/

Now there are many things you can do to make life a bit easier, like installing a heavy duty radiator fan clutch and a bigger fan with more blades, an upgraded alternator, etc.

On the recommended suggestion of the restoration shop, I added a Spal fan, which automatically kicks in on over heat and a 100 amp alternator. Yes, Vintage Air does supply a shallower (3 1/4 inch depth) PLASTIC glove box. I believe ANY midyear looses passenger fresh air vent WITH AC when optioned. Jack J.

[Jack J.]

Re: Added air

On the recommended suggestion of the restoration shop, I added a Spal fan, which automatically kicks in on over heat and a 100 amp alternator. Yes, Vintage Air does supply a shallower (3 1/4 inch depth) PLASTIC glove box. I believe ANY midyear looses passenger fresh air vent WITH AC when optioned. Jack J.

Spal fan temperature sensor. NOT NCRS!!